News and Features » People and Infrastructurehttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news
Science Serving Coastal CommunitiesTue, 03 Mar 2015 18:51:06 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1NCCOS Hosts Visiting Scientistshttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-hosts-visiting-scientists/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-hosts-visiting-scientists/#commentsThu, 12 Feb 2015 17:36:58 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=14362Collaboration to Identify Ecologically Important Areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary NCCOS Biogeography Branch staff are working with visiting scholar Daniel Mateos-Molina, on methods to identify ecologically important areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Daniel is a Marie Curie fellow in a project funded by the European Commission for Monitoring Mediterranean Marine […]

]]>Collaboration to Identify Ecologically Important Areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

NCCOS Biogeography Branch staff are working with visiting scholar Daniel Mateos-Molina, on methods to identify ecologically important areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Daniel is a Marie Curie fellow in a project funded by the European Commission for Monitoring Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MMMPA). As part of that project, he is working in an environmental consultant enterprise, UBICA (Underwater Bio-Cartography) in Genoa, Italy, and enrolled in the PhD program at the University of Murcia, Spain. His main tasks are to integrate data of the MMMPA team using decision support tools, and to develop case studies on different marine conservation aspects of MPAs. Currently, Daniel is assessing consequences of land cover changes on sediment deliveries to coastal waters in the western Mediterranean Sea. Daniel has collaborated with NOAA in Puerto Rico since 2008 on restoration and monitoring coral reef projects, with continued research on spawning aggregations there. He continues to collaborate in the Caribbean – his last contribution was as co-author in the book chapter, “Marine Managed Areas and Associated Fisheries in the US Caribbean.”

Daniel will be in Silver Spring until February 13th. For more on the Florida Keys project, contact Dan.Dorfman@noaa.gov.

Development of a Non-radiometric Receptor Binding Assay for Paralytic Shellfish Toxins

NCCOS Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research in Charleston hosted a scientist from Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, for three weeks of receptor binding assay (RBA) training to facilitate development of a new generation RBA for paralytic shellfish toxins that does not use radioisotopes. John McComb, a Ph.D. student in chemistry at the Institute for Global Food Security, is attempting to synthesize saxitoxin mimics that contain a fluorescent reporter molecule, which would allow implementation of the RBA without concerns related to the use of radioisotopes. Although the existing RBA method uses low enough levels of radioisotopes to be considered exempt from nuclear regulations in the U.S., some countries in the E.U. have stringent policies that may make it difficult to implement. A fluorescent version of the method, if successful, would be well received.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a world-wide, sometimes fatal seafood poisoning caused by toxins from algae that accumulate in shellfish. The receptor binding assay, developed by NCCOS, and validated through rigorous international collaborative trials, is now approved for regulatory testing of shellfish in the U.S. and is under consideration by CODEX Alimentarius. This technique offers an alternative to the long-standing mouse bioassay, which requires injecting shellfish fluids into mice and timing how long it takes for them to die.

For more information, contact Maggie.Broadwater@noaa.gov or Fran.VanDolah@noaa.gov.

The manual, “Highways in the Coastal Environment: Assessing Extreme Events,” provides technical guidance and methods to civil engineers for assessing the vulnerability of coastal transportation facilities to extreme events and climate change. The focus of the manual is to quantify transportation infrastructure exposure to sea level rise, storm surge, and waves considering climate change.

Pavement damage due to waves and surge in an extreme event. (Credit NC DOT and US DOT).

Building on research published in the journal “Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences,” the case study represents a “change in management knowledge” regarding coastal engineering in the face of climate change related sea level rise. The case study is presented as a “level of effort 3,” the most challenging level of analysis, where modeling of storm surge, sea levels, currents, and waves including tsunamis is conducted in a probabilistic risk framework while also incorporating impacts of climate change.

Two bridges destroyed by wave loads in Hurricane Katrina. (Credit US DOT)

The use of NCCOS-developed sea level rise modeling tools by the U.S. DOT illustrates the important paradigm shift in coastal modeling developed through EESLR. Our coastal infrastructure is highly exposed to extreme events today and that exposure is likely to increase with sea level rise and climate change. New approaches and solutions will be needed.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/u-s-department-transportation-updates-coastal-infrastructure-risk-using-nccos-research/feed/0Does Oyster Aquaculture Affect Nitrogen Loss From Sediments?http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/misc/oyster-aquaculture-affect-nitrogen-loss-sediments/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/misc/oyster-aquaculture-affect-nitrogen-loss-sediments/#commentsThu, 18 Dec 2014 13:41:42 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=14176Off-bottom oyster aquaculture (Crassostrea virginica) is currently being investigated for possible effects on nutrient processes of surrounding sediments by a Virginia Sea Grant Research Fellow, Abby Lunstrum, under the guidance of an NCCOS mentor. The research assesses whether, and to what extent, biodeposition from this type of aquaculture operations stimulates loss of nitrogen from the […]

]]>Off-bottom oyster aquaculture (Crassostrea virginica) is currently being investigated for possible effects on nutrient processes of surrounding sediments by a Virginia Sea Grant Research Fellow, Abby Lunstrum, under the guidance of an NCCOS mentor. The research assesses whether, and to what extent, biodeposition from this type of aquaculture operations stimulates loss of nitrogen from the sediment.

Abby Lunstrum, a VA Sea Grant Fellow, is investigating nitrogen loss in sediments associated with oyster aquaculture at the Ruby Salts aquaculture farm on the Cherrystone Creek of Virginia.

Early results from this two year project suggest that there are greater losses of nitrogen from sediments under aquaculture cages in summer than from bare bottom areas, but they are lower than previously reported results from natural oyster reefs. The measurements will be extended through the year and rates will be confirmed in the conclusion of the project. These research results will be used to inform policy discussions on the use of bivalve aquaculture to mitigate nutrient enrichment of coastal waters.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/misc/oyster-aquaculture-affect-nitrogen-loss-sediments/feed/0NOAA and Partners Support Regional Military Offshore Rescue Traininghttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/misc/noaa-state-academic-partners-participate-regional-military-rescue-training/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/misc/noaa-state-academic-partners-participate-regional-military-rescue-training/#commentsWed, 12 Nov 2014 14:24:30 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=13902NOAA Divers and Small Boat Operators participated in a live rescue demonstration conducted by Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1) two miles offshore of Beaufort, NC last week. During this unprecedented cooperative rescue training drill, support vessels and crew from multiple local dive boat operators, University of North Carolina (UNC), Duke University, […]

VMR-1 (Pedro) lowers a Marine down to the deck of the UNC’s R/V Capricorn. Weather was ‘sporting’ during demonstration with a SW 10-15 knot wind, and 2-4 foot waves.

NOAA Divers and Small Boat Operators participated in a live rescue demonstration conducted by Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1) two miles offshore of Beaufort, NC last week. During this unprecedented cooperative rescue training drill, support vessels and crew from multiple local dive boat operators, University of North Carolina (UNC), Duke University, North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF), USCG, NCCOS and NMFS observed the demonstration providing invaluable experience to professional divers and boat operators participating in offshore activities.

The demonstration simulated an at sea rescue of a victim in need of immediate medical attention from the deck of a research vessel. VMR-1 demonstrated lifting Marines (simulated victim) directly from the deck of UNC’s R/V Capricorn and out of the water from a NCDMF small boat.

VMR-1 operate multiple aircraft that conduct a myriad of missions including extended search and rescue missions in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard in eastern North Carolina utilizing three HH-46E helicopters referred to operationally as “Pedro.” The charismatic safety orange and military green helicopters are easily recognized by locals who consider Pedro an important member of the community.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/misc/noaa-state-academic-partners-participate-regional-military-rescue-training/feed/0http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/PEDRO-LRD-2014_3_sm1.jpgNCCOS Sets Context for the Second International Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem Workshophttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/nccos-sets-context-second-international-mesophotic-coral-ecosystem-workshop/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/nccos-sets-context-second-international-mesophotic-coral-ecosystem-workshop/#commentsTue, 11 Nov 2014 19:59:23 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=13867Mesophotic coral reefs found at depths of 30-150 meters may not be as well understood as their shallower counterparts, but NCCOS is working hard to change that. Much progress has been made over the last six years, and that progress was the focus of the Second International Workshop on Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems, held at the Interuniversity […]

]]>Mesophotic coral reefs found at depths of 30-150 meters may not be as well understood as their shallower counterparts, but NCCOS is working hard to change that. Much progress has been made over the last six years, and that progress was the focus of the Second International Workshop on Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems, held at the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eliat, Israel from October 26-31, 2014.

NCCOS Program Manager Kimberly Puglise presented virtually at the workshop via Skype, setting the context by providing an overview of the First International Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem Workshop sponsored by NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey and hosted by the Perry Institute for Marine Sciences in July 2008.

A tropical mesophotic coral. The Second International Workshop on Mesophotic Coral Reef Ecosystems was held in Eilat, Israel on the coast of the Red Sea. (Credit Gal Eyal, Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences)

The 2008 workshop brought scientists and managers together for the first time to define the term mesophotic coral ecosystems, discuss and review the state of knowledge regarding these ecosystems, and identify management-driven research needs. Puglise’s talk helped make a critical connection between the two workshops by discussing the impetus behind the first workshop, as well as its objectives and accomplishments. With this, the participants of the second workshop were able to focus on discussing the progress that had been made in understanding these ecosystems and their connections to shallower coral reefs in the past six years. Additionally, her talk discussed NCCOS’ regional, multi-disciplinary mesophotic reef research programs in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Christine Buckel (CCFHR) for dedicated support of the Ecosystem Protection Working Group as part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) Advisory Council Marine Zoning and Regulatory Review.

Shay Viehman (CCFHR) for dedicated support of the Ecosystem Protection Working Group as part of the FKNMS Advisory Council Marine Zoning and Regulatory Review.

At the ceremony, Acting NOS Assistant Administrator (AA) Russell Callender provided an overview of NOS Program Office success stories and highlighted some of the many accomplishments, including NCCOS HAB forecasting in Lake Erie. He also announced the winners of the first NOS Photo Contest which included a winning photo from the Hollings Marine Laboratory. Acting Deputy AA David Holst served as Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony was held October 30, 2014 at the NOAA Auditorium in Silver Spring, MD.

Participants in this session discussed novel physical, chemical, and biological control strategies and research paths that have potential for minimizing or eliminating HAB effects without significant coincident impacts on ecosystem health. For example, HAB mitigation options are limited to clay dispersal in Korean waters as the only operational program for mitigating HAB effects on coastal aquaculture operations. This method has the negative side-effect of covering the local benthic communities with sedimentation, which is unacceptable in many nations, leaving them with few if any mitigation strategies.

Other invited speakers included Phillip Levin (NWFSC) on defining tipping points as ecological indicators of multiple stressors in coastal and marine ecosystem, Richard Feely (PMEL) on recent assessments of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and Vera Trainer (NWFSC) on the PICES/Japan Ministry of Agriculture Forestry & Fisheries Marine Ecosystem Health and Human Well Being project.

]]>Last month, NCCOS scientists led workshops designed to transfer to NOAA’s Environmental Cooperative Science Center (ECSC) protocols and analyses used by NCCOS scientists to assess ecosystem health. The workshops focused on using indicators of organismal well-being to estimate population-level health, habitat quality, and ecosystem change in response to environmental factors.

NCCOS’s Gretchen Messick (far left) oversees a session at one of the ECSC workshops. Credit: NOAA.

Approximately 30 ECSC graduate students received hands-on training at these three-day workshops held at Florida A&M University and the University of Texas–Brownsville. The goal of the ECSC is to train a new generation of environmental scientists in NOAA-related sciences, particularly from under-represented minority groups, and to develop ecosystem health assessment tools in support of coastal environmental decision making. The ECSC was established in 2001 as part of NOAA’s Educational Partnership Program to address ecological and coastal management issues at specific National Estuarine Research Reserves and National Marine Sanctuaries.

The NCCOS Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN) program recently trained volunteers from Georgia in harmful algal bloom and marine debris monitoring. Volunteers from Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Burton 4-H, and the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension Service received instruction on target phytoplankton species for change detection, as well as how to identify microplastics in phytoplankton net samples. These data will be tracked using PMN’s Web-based map service.

Also, with assistance from NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, the PMN program now has a pilot study to collect marine debris data using the Marine Debris Tracker smartphone application. This simple tool allows volunteers to report and record the type and location of debris through GPS features pre-installed on a smartphone. Data submitted are posted on an interactive website that allows data to be viewed and downloaded for users to design plans to prevent marine debris.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a world-wide, sometimes fatal, seafood poisoning caused by toxins from algae that accumulate in shellfish. The receptor binding assay is a rapid, cost-effective test that measures toxins to protect consumers from exposure to contaminated shellfish. The method was accepted as an Official Method of Analysis by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists in 2012 following a rigorous international inter-laboratory validation trial. Recently, the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference approved the assay for regulatory testing of shellfish in the US. This technique offers an alternative to the long-standing mouse bioassay, which requires injecting shellfish fluids into mice and timing how long it takes for them to die.

Transfer of this NCCOS-developed technology to FDA scientists will expand the current capabilities of the Northeast Regional Laboratory in marine biotoxins testing. Regulatory testing of shellfish allows protection of consumers while realizing the economic benefits of expanding shellfish harvests.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-makes-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning-toxin-testing-easy-fda/feed/0Scientists, Partners and the Public Prioritize Marine Resources of Washington’s Olympic Coasthttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/scientists-partners-public-prioritize-marine-resources-washingtons-olympic-coast/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/scientists-partners-public-prioritize-marine-resources-washingtons-olympic-coast/#commentsFri, 05 Sep 2014 13:04:38 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=13284In preparation for future management and research investments, scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries are collecting information from regional stakeholders and members of the public regarding Washington’s Olympic Coast. Objectives are to assess the social value of coastal and marine resources, and to determine regional […]

]]>In preparation for future management and research investments, scientists from NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries are collecting information from regional stakeholders and members of the public regarding Washington’s Olympic Coast. Objectives are to assess the social value of coastal and marine resources, and to determine regional needs for seafloor mapping information.

In addition to important ecological resources, the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary also has a rich cultural and historical legacy. Credit OCNMS.

Through focus groups, scientists learned from the general public which natural resources are most highly valued by residents of Washington. Additionally, scientists met with federal, state, tribal, and local partners to develop mapping tools that can be used by natural resource managers, stakeholders and the general public to provide information that can be used by resource managers to identify and prioritize marine areas for seafloor mapping.

Both efforts will continue to collect scientific, social and economic data to support resource managers, improving their ability to prioritize management and research investments into the future. These products support place-based management of local, regional and NOAA trust resources. Project partners include: The Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Point97, State of Washington, Makah Tribe, Quileute Tribe, Hoh Tribe and the Quinault Nation.

]]>The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s (NCCOS) Dr. Quay Dortch will join the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) as an expert advisor. Dr. Dortch’s advice and expertise will contribute to one of the most technical and specialized areas of shellfish sanitation, that of laboratory methods for detecting and testing harmful algal toxins and their syndromes.

The Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference is the nation’s leading private organization promoting and enhancing shellfish sanitation for consumer confidence and safety. (Credit ISSC)

The success of the shellfish industry depends on maintaining public confidence in safe and edible shellfish. The ISSC fosters and promotes shellfish sanitation through the cooperation of state and federal control agencies, the shellfish industry, and the academic community. The ISSC maintains an active review process on all aspects of the shellfish industry, from cultivation to consumption.

As a member of the ISCC’s Laboratory Methods Review and Quality Assurance Committee, Dr. Dortch will review new and existing shellfish toxin testing techniques–approving, disapproving or recommending further testing to maintain accurate and precise testing methods. The appointment offers an opportunity to publicize NCCOS research and help NCCOS identify priorities and approaches for future research needs regarding harmful algal blooms, whose toxins are responsible for contaminating shellfish leading to paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Earlier in 2014, Dr. Dortch was a featured speaker at the 66th ISSC at a session devoted to harmful algal blooms and their impacts on shellfish safety and shellfish production.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/nccos-scientist-advise-shellfish-sanitation-experts-harmful-algae-lab-methods/feed/0NCCOS and Partners Field Test New Tools for Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoringhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-partners-field-test-new-tools-harmful-algal-bloom-monitoring/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-partners-field-test-new-tools-harmful-algal-bloom-monitoring/#commentsThu, 04 Sep 2014 14:08:49 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=13167A new harmful algal bloom field test was used on a live bloom for the first time allowing for near-real-time, ship-board characterization of a bloom patch during a research cruise onboard the R/V Bellows. Scientists with the National Centers of Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) joined researchers from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife […]

]]>A new harmful algal bloom field test was used on a live bloom for the first time allowing for near-real-time, ship-board characterization of a bloom patch during a research cruise onboard the R/V Bellows. Scientists with the National Centers of Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) joined researchers from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) and Mote Marine Laboratory on a cruise in late August to monitor a patchy harmful algal bloom (HAB) of the Florida red tide organism Karenia brevis, known for causing human respiratory irritation and numerous fish kills.

NCCOS participation in this cruise focused on initial field testing of physiological biomarkers for HAB monitoring. These markers of cell growth, cellular stress, and cell death were adapted to flow cytometry by scientists at the Center for Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research (CCEHBR) in Charleston, SC. The transfer of this technology to coastal managers began recently with the training of a visiting scientist from FWRI at the CCEHBR laboratories. This research cruise was the first opportunity for NCCOS scientists to begin the critical process of testing these biomarkers in field bloom populations.

Following field validation, the transfer of these NCCOS-developed tools to FWC/FWRI scientists will greatly expand the current capabilities of coastal managers to precisely forecast the longevity and potential impacts of a Florida red tide.

]]>Earlier this month, NCCOS researchers provided a visiting scientist from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Red Tide Monitoring Program training on the use of physiological biomarkers for harmful algal bloom monitoring. Coastal blooms of the microscopic alga Karenia brevis, also known as red tides, occur nearly annually in the Gulf of Mexico and can persist for many months with potential negative effects to wildlife, human health, and local economies.

NCCOS scientists have developed assays using fluorescent biomarkers to measure the percentage of cells actively growing, undergoing cellular stress, or experiencing cell death in a bloom patch. These biomarkers allow for near–real-time, ship-board characterization of a bloom patch. NCCOS and FWC will collaboratively test these biomarkers in the field during this year’s fall red tide season.

This technology transfer project, slated for completion in 2015, will transition the products of a ten-year research project on K. brevis functional genomics to management applications. Transfer of these NCCOS-developed tools to FWC scientists will expand the current capabilities of coastal managers to more precisely forecast the longevity and potential impacts of a Florida red tide.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-provides-florida-agency-specialized-training-harmful-algal-bloom-monitoring/feed/0Advocate for Harmful Algal Bloom Research Honoredhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/advocate-harmful-algal-bloom-research-honored/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/advocate-harmful-algal-bloom-research-honored/#commentsThu, 26 Jun 2014 19:51:20 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=12497NCCOS’s Dr. Frances Quay Dortch has been honored for her dedication to and advocacy for research on toxic algae and the impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs). A special issue of the scientific journal Deep Sea Research is dedicated to her as “a scientist and program manager who has worked tirelessly in support of U.S. HAB research […]

NCCOS’s Dr. Frances Quay Dortch has been honored for her dedication to and advocacy for research on toxic algae and the impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs). A special issue of the scientific journal Deep Sea Research is dedicated to her as “a scientist and program manager who has worked tirelessly in support of U.S. HAB research … Since 2003, Quay has been the ECOHAB Program Coordinator for NOAA and has fought to provide funding to HAB researchers throughout the country during a time of dwindling science budgets within NOAA.”

“As we get caught up in the daily grind, we tend to forget how lucky we are to have Quay on our team. She is very highly respected among her peers from all marine science disciplines. I would love to see a poll of marine scientists taken on the world’s top HAB experts; Quay would certainly fall in the top 10, maybe top five,” said Dr. Alan Lewitus, Chief of the NCCOS Ecosystem Stressors Research Branch.

The dedication is included in the preface of the special issue of Deep Sea Research devoted to the accomplishments of the NCCOS-funded Gulf of Maine Toxicity (GOMTOX) project. Dortch is the program manager for GOMTOX—a modeling effort that predicts toxic blooms and seeks to understand the transfer of toxins to shellfish in order to protect public health and minimize economic disruption.

She received her Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Washington, served on the faculty of the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium from 1986 to 2003, then joined NOAA as the federal program coordinator for HABs.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/advocate-harmful-algal-bloom-research-honored/feed/0Webinar Highlights Citizen Science to Kick-off EPA’s 2014 HAB Awareness Campaignhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/webinar-highlights-citizen-science-kick-epas-2014-hab-awareness-campaign/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/webinar-highlights-citizen-science-kick-epas-2014-hab-awareness-campaign/#commentsWed, 18 Jun 2014 16:33:47 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=12405NCCOS’s Steve Morton and staff from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation recently led an EPA webinar on harmful algal blooms (HABs) that explored volunteer monitoring opportunities open to the public. Four hundred and twenty participants from academia, industry, and government learned more about NOAA’s Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, which uses volunteers to monitor for […]

NCCOS’s Steve Morton and staff from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation recently led an EPA webinar on harmful algal blooms (HABs) that explored volunteer monitoring opportunities open to the public. Four hundred and twenty participants from academia, industry, and government learned more about NOAA’s Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, which uses volunteers to monitor for potentially toxic algal species and to collect data from their local water bodies to support local, regional, and national environmental decision-making.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/webinar-highlights-citizen-science-kick-epas-2014-hab-awareness-campaign/feed/0Toxins Detection Workshop Promotes International Trade of Shellfishhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/toxins-detection-workshop-promotes-international-trade-shellfish/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/toxins-detection-workshop-promotes-international-trade-shellfish/#commentsTue, 10 Jun 2014 16:04:38 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=12233NCCOS scientist Tina Mikulski recently led a workshop in Muscat, Oman, on the detection of paralytic shellfish toxins—which can accumulate in shellfish, causing human illness and death. Shellfish must be screened for these toxins (produced by harmful algae in the genus Alexandrium) prior to sale and consumption. The workshop was designed through a formal agreement between […]

]]>NCCOS scientist Tina Mikulski recently led a workshop in Muscat, Oman, on the detection of paralytic shellfish toxins—which can accumulate in shellfish, causing human illness and death. Shellfish must be screened for these toxins (produced by harmful algae in the genus Alexandrium) prior to sale and consumption.

The workshop was designed through a formal agreement between NOAA’s National Ocean Service and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and moved forward with the support of the United Nations and the IAEA.

High levels of paralytic shellfish toxins have recently resulted in trade barriers for the export of shellfish from the United States and other countries. To date, the NOAA–IAEA collaboration has resulted in 10 training workshops, including 27 countries and production of a shellfish toxins detection manual. The manual provides an internationally approved method for detecting shellfish toxins, which can reduce barriers to the international trade of shellfish by improving confidence in seafood safety.

NCCOS administers national competitive programs that assess the causes and impacts of coastal hypoxia (low dissolved oxygen) and develop models to inform coastal managers of the effectiveness of hypoxia prevention and mitigation strategies. Scenario-based ecosystem forecast models can be used to establish prevention and mitigation goals and to validate corrections in prevention and mitigation actions.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/scenario-based-ecosystem-forecast-models-help-mitigate-hypoxia/feed/0NOAA Harmful Algae Research Featured at Interstate Seafood Seminarhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/noaa-harmful-algae-research-featured-interstate-seafood-seminar/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/noaa-harmful-algae-research-featured-interstate-seafood-seminar/#commentsTue, 27 May 2014 17:47:31 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=12054NCCOS’s Dr. Quay Dortch was a featured speaker at the 66th Interstate Seafood Seminar conference during a session devoted to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their impacts on shellfish safety and shellfish production. Dortch discussed NOAA’s HAB programs and how they enhance state rapid response and build a national capacity to minimize HAB impacts. She also […]

]]>NCCOS’s Dr. Quay Dortch was a featured speaker at the 66th Interstate Seafood Seminar conference during a session devoted to harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their impacts on shellfish safety and shellfish production.

The hard clam, or quahog, is a seafood delicacy made toxic by harmful algal blooms. (Credit: NOAA NMFS)

Dortch discussed NOAA’s HAB programs and how they enhance state rapid response and build a national capacity to minimize HAB impacts. She also underscored how NOAA’s extramural and intramural HAB programs address end-user needs and provide research opportunities for stakeholders.

Shellfish growers, harvesters, processors, state public health and resource managers, and federal managers and regulators attended the seminar and discussed issues of interest to the shellfish industry in the mid-Atlantic states. HABs particularly threaten the rapidly expanding shellfish growing industry. There was great interest in understanding the HAB threat to public health and shellfish production—especially Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning—and developing better forecasting, monitoring, and mitigation.

]]>NOAA’s harmful algal bloom Analytical Response Team has teamed with Hollings Marine Lab partner, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to provide training for a NIST International Fellow on algal toxin detection in marine wildlife. Dr. Rute Costa of the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Figueira da Foz, Portugal, is nearing completion of this four-week training at the NCCOS Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research.

The Marine Animal Rehabilitation Centre documents strandings and rehabilitates stranded marine birds, turtles, and cetaceans from the west coast of Portugal. Although the Iberian coastal ecosystem is known to experience episodic harmful algal blooms, little information is available on the impacts of algal toxins on marine wildlife in this region. Dr. Costa’s expertise is in the impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on birds. Her training with NCCOS will enable her to broaden her scope of investigations to include a full suite of algal toxins. NOAA’s Analytical Response Team has been instrumental in establishing the link between harmful algal blooms and wildlife mortalities in U.S. coastal waters. Since 1991, 60 marine mammal unusual mortality events have been investigated. Forty percent of those with known causes are attributed to harmful algal blooms.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/noaa-teams-nist-transfer-hab-detection-methods-portugals-marine-animal-rehabilitation-centre/feed/0NOAA Supports 2014 SeaPerch Challengehttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/noaa-supports-2014-seaperch-challenge/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/noaa-supports-2014-seaperch-challenge/#commentsThu, 17 Apr 2014 20:23:44 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=12034NCCOS scientists provided scientific support in the 2014 SeaPerch Challenge by serving as judges in the Charleston, S.C. competition on April 9, 2014. SeaPerch is an innovative, underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources needed to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Students build the ROV from a kit of […]

]]>NCCOS scientists provided scientific support in the 2014 SeaPerch Challenge by serving as judges in the Charleston, S.C. competition on April 9, 2014. SeaPerch is an innovative, underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources needed to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Students build the ROV from a kit of low-cost, easily accessible parts, following a curriculum that teaches basic science concepts with a marine engineering theme. As part of the nationwide competition, students presented posters of their projects and entered their ROVs in an aquatic obstacle course.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/noaa-supports-2014-seaperch-challenge/feed/0http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2014-SeaPerch-Challenge-750x330.jpgNOAA Helps Plan National Study on Nutrient Trends in Nation’s Watershttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/noaa-helps-plan-national-study-nutrient-trends-nations-waters/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/noaa-helps-plan-national-study-nutrient-trends-nations-waters/#commentsMon, 07 Apr 2014 21:05:01 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=11572NCCOS’s Dr. Rob Magnien recently represented NOAA at a planning session of the National Academy of Sciences Water Science and Technology Board. The purpose of the meeting was to plan and explore the scientific dimensions and challenges of monitoring and detecting changes in nutrient levels in the nation’s surface and ground water. Over the past […]

]]>NCCOS’s Dr. Rob Magnien recently represented NOAA at a planning session of the National Academy of Sciences Water Science and Technology Board. The purpose of the meeting was to plan and explore the scientific dimensions and challenges of monitoring and detecting changes in nutrient levels in the nation’s surface and ground water.

Over the past few decades regulators have increased efforts to reduce nutrients in surface and ground water in the United States. Due to the difficulty of identifying exact outcomes from specific nutrient control activities, the lack of clear-cut success stories inhibits efforts to develop practical, cost-effective nutrient controls.

The one-day planning session engaged invited experts to develop a plan and proposal for a study on lessons learned for improved monitoring of nutrients and nutrient control strategies. Dr. Magnien is Director of the NCCOS Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/noaa-helps-plan-national-study-nutrient-trends-nations-waters/feed/0NCCOS Researcher Captures Winning Imagehttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/people/photo-contest/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/people/photo-contest/#commentsMon, 31 Mar 2014 21:37:23 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=11816A photograph taken by NCCOS research ecologist Amy V. Uhrin was one of 10 images selected as a winner in the 2014 Cool Science Image Contest held by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Ms. Uhrin is a PhD candidate. The contest is open to faculty, staff, and students at the university and is intended to […]

That’s a winner: a photograph of an Oyster Toadfish taken at the Shackleford Jetty near Beaufort, N.C., by NCCOS researcher Amy Uhrin.

A photograph taken by NCCOS research ecologist Amy V. Uhrin was one of 10 images selected as a winner in the 2014 Cool Science Image Contest held by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Ms. Uhrin is a PhD candidate. The contest is open to faculty, staff, and students at the university and is intended to showcase and more broadly share university research, as well as the use of photography in research. This year’s contest drew 94 submissions. The Oyster Toadfish (Opsanus tau) featured in Ms. Uhrin’s entry was photographed during a 2007 marine debris survey dive on Shackleford Jetty near Beaufort, N.C. A fair amount of research in the field of sensory ecology (not conducted by NCCOS) has focused on the foghorn-like mating call of the male Oyster Toadfish, and the muscles that produce said call have served as a medical research model for studying muscle pathologies. For more about the winning entries, go to: http://whyfiles.org/2014/2014-cool-science-image-contest-slideshow/

The NCCOS Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research is located on Pivers Island in the middle of the second largest sound system in the U.S. and due west of the thermal mixing point of tropical and temperate waters offshore.

Ranked “America’s Coolest Small Town” in 2012 by Budget Travel Magazine, Beaufort, N.C., also boasts marine science research and education at the federal, state, and academic levels. Marine science, in particular, has become an economic driver for this coastal community. In response, the NCCOS Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research recently hosted a tour for Beaufort’s community leaders and business executives to showcase how local science and emerging technologies are used to inform decisions that safeguard coastal resources. The event highlighted NCCOS’s unique research and science partnerships with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve. The program was part of Leadership Carteret, a training institute where distinguished community leaders learn to better serve the public interest by providing access to community resources and professional networks.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/misc/community-leaders-explore-coastal-ocean-science-beaufort-laboratory/feed/0Improving Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Response in Alaskahttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/improving-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning-response-alaska/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/improving-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning-response-alaska/#commentsThu, 20 Mar 2014 13:46:14 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=11677Harmful algal blooms, particularly those that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, pose a threat to human health, food security, and the economy of local communities in Alaska. There is a need for greater understanding of these blooms by community members and for the development of an effective and integrated monitoring system. To meet these needs, NCCOS […]

]]>Harmful algal blooms, particularly those that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, pose a threat to human health, food security, and the economy of local communities in Alaska. There is a need for greater understanding of these blooms by community members and for the development of an effective and integrated monitoring system. To meet these needs, NCCOS scientists collaborated with the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) and the Alaska Ocean Observing System to sponsor the Kachemak Bay Phytoplankton and Harmful Algal Bloom Conference held on February 19–20, 2014 in Homer, Alaska.

The two-day meeting allowed for focused talks and group discussions to develop specific actions to improve future harmful algal bloom monitoring and response efforts. At the request of the KBNERR and other local stakeholders, NCCOS scientists provided: (1) an overview of the plankton community dynamics that may influence coastal food webs in Alaska and the intensity of harmful algal blooms; (2) an overview of the molecular methods being used to identify the environmental factors that foster blooms of the toxic microalgae that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning; and (3) results of intensive plankton and oceanographic monitoring conducted in Kachemak Bay over the past two years.

Group discussions led to the identification of short- and long-term goals, including: (1) developing an improved centralized database for phytoplankton monitoring data; (2) developing an improved plankton identification manual; (3) improving information sharing among researchers, resource managers, and public health officials; and (4) improving event response capabilities and coordination with the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

Stakeholders participating in the conference included the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Sea Grant, oyster farmers, tribal environmental coordinators, local village representatives, volunteer citizen monitors, industrial partners, federal agencies, and local colleges and collaborating universities. A local high school team competing in the Alaska regional competition of the National Ocean Science Bowl (Tsunami Bowl) also made a presentation on harmful algal blooms at the meeting.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/improving-paralytic-shellfish-poisoning-response-alaska/feed/0NCCOS-developed Method for Toxins Detection Approved for Regulatory Testing of Shellfish in the U.Shttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-developed-method-toxins-detection-approved-regulatory-testing-shellfish-u-s/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-developed-method-toxins-detection-approved-regulatory-testing-shellfish-u-s/#commentsFri, 21 Feb 2014 06:57:54 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=11267Earlier this year, the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) approved a new assay developed by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) as an official method for identifying toxicity that could result in paralytic shellfish poisoning. This approval is the culmination of more than a decade of effort to find an alternative to live animal […]

]]>Earlier this year, the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) approved a new assay developed by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) as an official method for identifying toxicity that could result in paralytic shellfish poisoning. This approval is the culmination of more than a decade of effort to find an alternative to live animal testing for paralytic shellfish toxins. Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a world-wide, sometimes fatal seafood poisoning caused by potent algal neurotoxins that accumulate in shellfish. Both U.S. and international shellfish commerce regulations require testing for paralytic shellfish toxins, and, until recently, the only approved toxins testing method in the U.S. had been the mouse bioassay.

The NCCOS-led effort to see this method through to fruition began in the 1990s when NCCOS scientists were charged with developing reliable testing methods for algal toxins. NCCOS then partnered with the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency to make this technology available to developing countries with growing incidence of paralytic shellfish poisoning. However, to be accepted for regulatory use, extensive collaborative testing of methods is required. Several years of international collaborative study were therefore conducted through the auspices of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), and the method received “AOAC Official Method” status in 2012. This status provided sufficient recognition of the method for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to partner with NCCOS to submit the receptor binding assay to the ISSC for shellfish commerce in the U.S. This is the first method for detecting paralytic shellfish toxins to be accepted by the ISSC as a full regulatory method since the mouse bioassay was accepted over 30 years ago.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-developed-method-toxins-detection-approved-regulatory-testing-shellfish-u-s/feed/0NCCOS Research Featured in EPA Webinar Series on Inland Harmful Algal Bloomshttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-research-featured-in-epa-webinar-series-on-inland-harmful-algal-blooms/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-research-featured-in-epa-webinar-series-on-inland-harmful-algal-blooms/#commentsWed, 29 Jan 2014 04:27:59 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=11047On Jan. 14, NCCOS researchers Steve Morton and Rick Stumpf were featured speakers at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) webinar focused on inland harmful algal blooms. The event was part of an EPA webinar series intended to build awareness about the effects of nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms on the environment. Dr. Morton provided […]

]]>On Jan. 14, NCCOS researchers Steve Morton and Rick Stumpf were featured speakers at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) webinar focused on inland harmful algal blooms. The event was part of an EPA webinar series intended to build awareness about the effects of nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms on the environment. Dr. Morton provided attendees with an introduction to the NOAA Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, and Dr. Stumpf presented NOAA’s efforts on satellite-based forecasting of inland harmful algal blooms. The webinar had an audience of over 100 people from across the country, spanning federal and state government agencies, universities, NGOs, private companies, and the general public.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-research-featured-in-epa-webinar-series-on-inland-harmful-algal-blooms/feed/0NCCOS-sponsored Coral Reef Scientist Honored with New Species Namehttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/nccos-sponsored-coral-reef-scientist-honored-with-new-species-name/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/nccos-sponsored-coral-reef-scientist-honored-with-new-species-name/#commentsMon, 16 Dec 2013 18:26:42 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=10590In recognition of his contributions to NCCOS coral reef research, University of Puerto Rico scientist Dr. Francisco E. Pagán will have a new species of sediment-dwelling crustacean named in his honor. The new species—the cumacean crustacean Cumella pagani n. sp.—lives on the Caribbean mesophotic coral reefs studied by Dr. Pagán. Cumaceans are small, benthic marine crustaceans, […]

]]>In recognition of his contributions to NCCOS coral reef research, University of Puerto Rico scientist Dr. Francisco E. Pagán will have a new species of sediment-dwelling crustacean named in his honor. The new species—the cumacean crustacean Cumella pagani n. sp.—lives on the Caribbean mesophotic coral reefs studied by Dr. Pagán. Cumaceans are small, benthic marine crustaceans, common in muddy and sandy sediments.

Dr. Francisco E. Pagán. Credit H. Ruiz.

Cumella pagani n. sp. Credit I. Petrescu.

In addition to serving as a program manager for the NCCOS-sponsored mesophotic Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program (“Deep CRES”) and the Caribbean Coral Reef Institute (CCRI), Dr. Pagán is a modeler of fish and crustacean egg and larvae dispersal, a skilled remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) technician, a research diver, and a website administrator. “It is impossible to overstate what an integral role he played in all of our programs in Puerto Rico, including CRES and CCRI. Anyone who had the opportunity to know and work with Francisco will tell you he is an absolute delight to work with and has a particular knack to make things work (like ROVs) when no one else could” said Dr. Michael Dowgiallo, Chief of Regional Ecosystem Research at NCCOS.

The discovery and description of the new species will be published in the scientific journal Cahiers de Biologie Marine in 2014 (volume 55, issue 2).

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/accomplishments/noaa-administrator-honors-nccos-employees/feed/0NCCOS Expertise Contributes to U.S. National Climate Assessmenthttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-expertise-contributes-to-u-s-national-climate-assessment/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-expertise-contributes-to-u-s-national-climate-assessment/#commentsThu, 24 Oct 2013 19:58:37 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=10334Four NCCOS scientists wrote a NOAA technical report on “Oceans and Marine Resources in a Changing Climate” that led to a chapter in the Third National Climate Assessment (2013), produced by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Carol Auer, Quay Dortch, Elizabeth Jewett, and Cary Lopez participated in this comprehensive review, wherein 63 experts examined […]

]]>Four NCCOS scientists wrote a NOAA technical report on “Oceans and Marine Resources in a Changing Climate” that led to a chapter in the Third National Climate Assessment (2013), produced by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Carol Auer, Quay Dortch, Elizabeth Jewett, and Cary Lopez participated in this comprehensive review, wherein 63 experts examined the present scientific understanding of current and projected impacts of climate change on marine systems under U.S. jurisdiction. Additionally, over 20 NCCOS-sponsored scientists contributed research findings to the report on topics such as algal blooms, biogeography, hypoxia, ocean acidification, and fisheries. The technical report was published by Island Press in book format and in journal format by Oceanography and Marine Biology as part of an annual review issue.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-expertise-contributes-to-u-s-national-climate-assessment/feed/0NCCOS Coordinates Development of New Korean Project on Harmful Algaehttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-coordinates-development-of-new-korean-project-on-harmful-algae/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-coordinates-development-of-new-korean-project-on-harmful-algae/#commentsMon, 09 Sep 2013 18:11:12 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=10114NCCOS staff chaired a two-day meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea (August 29–30, 2013) convened to finalize a new collaborative project on harmful algae. The project, one component of the larger Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between NOAA and the newly formed Korean Ministry of Oceans & Fisheries, will focus on issues related to the monitoring […]

]]>NCCOS staff chaired a two-day meeting in Busan, Republic of Korea (August 29–30, 2013) convened to finalize a new collaborative project on harmful algae. The project, one component of the larger Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between NOAA and the newly formed Korean Ministry of Oceans & Fisheries, will focus on issues related to the monitoring and management of ciguatera fish poisoning, an emerging issue in Korea and and one already established in the U.S.

Representatives from Korea’s National Fisheries Research & Development Institute and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology attended the meeting, and the finalized project proposal will be presented to the JPA Integrated Coastal Management Panel for approval to begin the project in January 2014.

Highlighting major outcomes of NOAA-funded HAB research in response to Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act legislation, Anderson and Morton described innovative methods for identifying algae and their blooms, and how government and research institutions and even the public can help monitor their outbreak and spread. The webinar audience included over 640 people from across the country, spanning federal and state government agencies, universities, NGOs, private companies, and the general public. The continuing EPA webinar series seeks to build awareness on the impact of nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms on the environment.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-researchers-inform-national-audience-on-harmful-algae-via-epa-webinar-series/feed/0New Program Manager Recruited for Hypoxia Research Coordinationhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/new-program-manager-recruited-for-hypoxia-research-coordination/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/new-program-manager-recruited-for-hypoxia-research-coordination/#commentsThu, 22 Aug 2013 20:48:31 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=10138David Kidwell has joined NCCOS’s Ecosystem Stressors Research Branch, where he will serve as a program manager for hypoxia activities. He will oversee several projects supporting the mandates of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA). This includes hypoxia projects in the Gulf of Mexico and a Chesapeake Bay HAB project […]

]]>David Kidwell has joined NCCOS’s Ecosystem Stressors Research Branch, where he will serve as a program manager for hypoxia activities. He will oversee several projects supporting the mandates of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA). This includes hypoxia projects in the Gulf of Mexico and a Chesapeake Bay HAB project testing method to control blooms, one of the first Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of HABs Program (PCMHAB) projects. Dave is also managing the Gulf of Mexico Ecological Effects of Sea Level Rise project.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/new-program-manager-recruited-for-hypoxia-research-coordination/feed/0NCCOS Joins Steering Committee of Two Landscape Conservation Cooperativeshttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/nccos-joins-steering-committee-of-two-landscape-conservation-cooperatives/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/nccos-joins-steering-committee-of-two-landscape-conservation-cooperatives/#commentsThu, 22 Aug 2013 18:15:07 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=10129Building on recent efforts to increase coordination between NOAA and the Department of Interior led Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs), NCCOS’s Alan Lewitus has been selected to serve on the steering committee of the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie and Big Rivers (ETPBR) LCC, while colleague David Kidwell will be serving on the Gulf Coastal Plain and Ozarks […]

]]>Building on recent efforts to increase coordination between NOAA and the Department of Interior led Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs), NCCOS’s Alan Lewitus has been selected to serve on the steering committee of the Eastern Tallgrass Prairie and Big Rivers (ETPBR) LCC, while colleague David Kidwell will be serving on the Gulf Coastal Plain and Ozarks (GCPO) LCC.

Located within the “corn belt,” the ETPBR recently initiated the development of a Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Incentives Program that seeks to achieve improvements in both hypoxia mitigation and fish and wildlife habitat by nutrient reduction in targeted Mississippi River watershed regions. Along the Gulf coast the GCPO LCC initiated a number of efforts related to assessing the impacts of sea level rise and recently joined the NOAA Sentinel Site Program Northern Gulf of Mexico Sentinel Site Cooperative management team.

LCCs promote collaboration among federal agencies, states, tribes, non-governmental organizations, and other groups, and they apply these partnerships to provide science and technical expertise needed to support landscape scale resource management and planning. Participation on the steering will increase partnerships and leveraging opportunities for promoting and applying NCCOS science.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/nccos-joins-steering-committee-of-two-landscape-conservation-cooperatives/feed/0NCCOS Marine Biologist is a Career Day Hithttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/nccos-marine-biologist-is-a-career-day-hit/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/nccos-marine-biologist-is-a-career-day-hit/#commentsMon, 29 Jul 2013 19:03:54 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9746On June 3, NCCOS’s Dr. Susan Baker met with 85 North Bethesda Middle School students during the 2013 career day. All middle school grades participated and students were able to select speakers based on their planned presentations. Dr. Baker’s presentation was selected by 85 budding marine biologist.

]]>On June 3, NCCOS’s Dr. Susan Baker met with 85 North Bethesda Middle School students during the 2013 career day. All middle school grades participated and students were able to select speakers based on their planned presentations. Dr. Baker’s presentation was selected by 85 budding marine biologist.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/nccos-marine-biologist-is-a-career-day-hit/feed/0NCCOS Researcher Featured in First EPA Webinar Series on Harmful Algaehttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-researcher-featured-in-first-epa-webinar-series-on-harmful-algae/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-researcher-featured-in-first-epa-webinar-series-on-harmful-algae/#commentsFri, 28 Jun 2013 17:20:50 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9800On June 25, NCCOS’s Quay Dortch was a featured speaker at the first Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) summer webinar series on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and nutrient pollution, and their impacts on freshwater and marine ecosystems. Dr. Dortch provided attendees with an introduction to marine HABs, their toxins, causes, and their impacts. She was joined by […]

]]>On June 25, NCCOS’s Quay Dortch was a featured speaker at the first Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) summer webinar series on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and nutrient pollution, and their impacts on freshwater and marine ecosystems.

Dr. Dortch provided attendees with an introduction to marine HABs, their toxins, causes, and their impacts. She was joined by Dr. Jennifer Graham of the U.S. Geological Survey discussing the environmental factors influencing the occurrence cyanobacteria blooms (aka blue-green algae) whose toxins can contaminate public water supplies and recreational waters. The webinar had 694 attendees from federal, state, and local resource, public health, water quality, water use, and drinking water agencies, non-governmental organizations, academics, and businesses.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-researcher-featured-in-first-epa-webinar-series-on-harmful-algae/feed/0NCCOS HAB Partner Honored by White Househttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-hab-partner-honored-by-white-house/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-hab-partner-honored-by-white-house/#commentsFri, 28 Jun 2013 17:02:58 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9806On June 25, NCCOS HAB Program partner Dr. Julia K. Parrish was honored as a Champion of Change by the White House. Dr. Parrish is the founder and executive director of the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST), a group that organizes coastal residents to monitor beach-cast seabird carcasses in California, Oregon, Washington and […]

]]>On June 25, NCCOS HAB Program partner Dr. Julia K. Parrish was honored as a Champion of Change by the White House. Dr. Parrish is the founder and executive director of the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST), a group that organizes coastal residents to monitor beach-cast seabird carcasses in California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Dr. Parrish and her organization were recognized for leading documention of the world’s single largest die-off of seabirds from a harmful algal bloom (HAB). Working with NOAA and NCCOS funded HAB scientists, Dr. Parrish led a team that responded to a 2009 widespread bloom of Akashiwo sanguinea , investigated its impacts on thousands of dead or stranded seabirds, and informed rehabilitation efforts. For additional information, contact Marc.Suddleson@noaa.gov.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-hab-partner-honored-by-white-house/feed/0Graduate Student to Research Stable Isotopes in Pygmy Sperm Whale Teethhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/graduate-student-to-research-stable-isotopes-in-pygmy-sperm-whale-teeth/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/graduate-student-to-research-stable-isotopes-in-pygmy-sperm-whale-teeth/#commentsMon, 24 Jun 2013 18:29:54 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9729College of Charleston Master’s student, Nicole Montey, under the direction of a scientist from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Wayne McFee, was one of two students recently awarded the Master of Environmental Studies Graduate Assistantship for student research and travel. Nicole’s research will use stable isotope analysis of teeth from pygmy sperm whales to determine […]

]]>College of Charleston Master’s student, Nicole Montey, under the direction of a scientist from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Wayne McFee, was one of two students recently awarded the Master of Environmental Studies Graduate Assistantship for student research and travel. Nicole’s research will use stable isotope analysis of teeth from pygmy sperm whales to determine possible migratory behaviors of this species.

Previous studies of pygmy sperm whales stranded in the southeastern US have shown exposure of these whales to domoic acid, a potential toxin produced by the dinoflagellate Pseudonitschia. This species also has a high prevalence of cardiomyopathy, an idiopathic heart disease that affects humans as well.

Pygmy sperm whale distribution and population status are poorly understood as they are rarely observed at sea, yet are the second most commonly stranded species of marine mammal in the southeastern US. Most of what researchers know about this species comes from stranded animals. Nicole’s research will provide critical information to better identify migratory patterns that could help researchers determine areas of risk to domoic acid exposure. For more information contact Wayne.McFee@noaa.gov.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/coastal-pollution/graduate-student-to-research-stable-isotopes-in-pygmy-sperm-whale-teeth/feed/0Students Learn About Becoming a Marine Biologisthttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/students-learn-about-becoming-a-marine-biologist/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/students-learn-about-becoming-a-marine-biologist/#commentsThu, 20 Jun 2013 17:07:06 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9734Clearspring Elementary School in Damascus, MD held their career day on June 30, 2013. Susan Baker spoke to around 70 4th grade students about marine science. She illustrated life as a marine biologist by telling stories about her time in the ocean. A hand poll indicated about 2/3 of the students would consider becoming marine […]

]]>Clearspring Elementary School in Damascus, MD held their career day on June 30, 2013. Susan Baker spoke to around 70 4th grade students about marine science. She illustrated life as a marine biologist by telling stories about her time in the ocean. A hand poll indicated about 2/3 of the students would consider becoming marine scientists when they are older. For more information, contact Susan.Baker@noaa.gov.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/nccos-kids-for-science-elementary-school-science-fair/feed/0EnvironMentors 2013 National Fair Judginghttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/environmentors-2013-national-fair-judging/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/outreach/environmentors-2013-national-fair-judging/#commentsThu, 20 Jun 2013 16:55:45 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9736On May 20th, NCCOS’s Dr. Susan Baker and an NMFS colleague judged the ‘Aquatic Research’ category of the National Environmentors Fair. The winning project, from the Colorado State University Chapter, was entitled “The Effect of the High Park Fire on the Poudre River.” EnvironMentors is a national college access initiative that prepares high school students from under-represented […]

]]>On May 20th, NCCOS’s Dr. Susan Baker and an NMFS colleague judged the ‘Aquatic Research’ category of the National Environmentors Fair. The winning project, from the Colorado State University Chapter, was entitled “The Effect of the High Park Fire on the Poudre River.”

EnvironMentors is a national college access initiative that prepares high school students from under-represented backgrounds for college degree programs in environmental and related science fields. They match minority high school students with college and university faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and science and environmental professionals, in one-to-one mentoring relationships. Working together, students and mentors develop rigorous environmental science research projects over the course of the academic year. The top three students from each chapter travel to Washington, DC to present their project at the National EnvironMentors Fair. For more information contact Susan.Baker@noaa.gov.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/nccos-transfers-toxin-detection-method-to-maine-start-up-company-to-provide-testing-of-paralytic-shellfish-toxins/feed/0NCCOS Staff Member Advises Fishery Management Council on Coral Conservation Issueshttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/nccos-staff-member-advises-fishery-management-council-on-coral-conservation-issues/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/nccos-staff-member-advises-fishery-management-council-on-coral-conservation-issues/#commentsWed, 29 May 2013 19:22:52 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9487On May 7-8, 2013, NCCOS participated in meetings with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Coral Advisory Panel in Charleston, SC. Discussions and recommendations were made to the Council on a proposal to list up to 82 reef-building coral species under the Endangered Species Act; coral nursery restoration work; and review of an amendment to […]

]]>On May 7-8, 2013, NCCOS participated in meetings with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Coral Advisory Panel in Charleston, SC. Discussions and recommendations were made to the Council on a proposal to list up to 82 reef-building coral species under the Endangered Species Act; coral nursery restoration work; and review of an amendment to the fishery management plan for coral, coral reefs, and live/hardbottom habitats to conserve deep-sea corals.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/nccos-staff-member-advises-fishery-management-council-on-coral-conservation-issues/feed/0NCCOS Employee Honored for Professional Achievementhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-employee-honored-for-professional-achievement/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-employee-honored-for-professional-achievement/#commentsWed, 15 May 2013 13:19:29 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9485On May 7, 2012, NCCOS’s Ms. Carol Auer received a NOAA Distinguished Career Award for her long-term commitment to advancing the Nation’s preparedness for the ecosystem impacts of sea level rise. Ms. Auer’s dedicated career in the National Ocean Service spanned thirty-five years analyzing tides and water levels for the Nation and pioneering studies on the […]

]]>On May 7, 2012, NCCOS’s Ms. Carol Auer received a NOAA Distinguished Career Award for her long-term commitment to advancing the Nation’s preparedness for the ecosystem impacts of sea level rise. Ms. Auer’s dedicated career in the National Ocean Service spanned thirty-five years analyzing tides and water levels for the Nation and pioneering studies on the ecological impact of sea level rise on coastal ecosystems.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-employee-honored-for-professional-achievement/feed/0International Harmful Algal Bloom Panel Convenes to Decide Future HAB Activitieshttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/international-harmful-algal-bloom-panel-convenes-to-decide-future-hab-activities/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/habs/international-harmful-algal-bloom-panel-convenes-to-decide-future-hab-activities/#commentsTue, 07 May 2013 21:10:21 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9430On April 28-30, 2013, Dr. Robert Magnien of NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) chaired the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Intergovernmental Panel on Harmful Algal Blooms (IPHAB). This year, IPHAB reviewed progress on harmful algae priorities and initiatives in partnership with other international organizations such as International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the […]

]]>On April 28-30, 2013, Dr. Robert Magnien of NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) chaired the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s Intergovernmental Panel on Harmful Algal Blooms (IPHAB). This year, IPHAB reviewed progress on harmful algae priorities and initiatives in partnership with other international organizations such as International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) including a review of need for a scientific symposium on harmful algae and global change, a global HAB status report, harmful algae and desalination of seawater, biotoxin monitoring, management and regulations, algal taxonomy, and harmful algae and fish kills.

IPHAB recommends initiatives such as a new global approach to HAB research to meet society needs in a changing world, improved research and management of ciguatera, and implementation of a new work plan for the IOC harmful algal bloom program for continued development. This collaboration demonstrates NOAA’s international leadership on HABs as well as within the US.

]]>The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Kasitsna Bay Laboratory near Seldovia, Alaska hosted 18 science divers during its spring 2013 class run in partnership with University of Alaska Fairbanks. Near-freezing water temperatures and fresh snow – normal spring conditions in south-central Alaska – provided the divers with great training in cold-water and dry suit diving.

Students obtained PADI Research Diver Specialty certifications while completing research projects that support NOAA’s coastal ecosystem science missions. NCCOS’s Alaska lab also worked with graduate students to establish 6 new underwater monitoring sites in the Kachemak Bay kelp forests in March and April. Diving is a key tool for near-shore marine research and Kasitsna Bay Laboratory courses and student research provides hands-on training in underwater research techniques and sub-arctic ecosystems.

Over 220 scientific divers have been trained at Kasitsna Bay since 2000, providing a scientific workforce for NOAA and other agencies, tribal organizations, universities and private industry.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/monitoring/spring-into-nccos-science-dive-training-in-alaska/feed/0NCCOS-supported Student Wins Award 2013 Research Forum Awardhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-supported-student-wins-award-2013-research-forum-award/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-supported-student-wins-award-2013-research-forum-award/#commentsMon, 22 Apr 2013 20:22:23 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=9218NCCOS-supported University of Central Florida (UCF) graduate student, Matthew Bilskie, won the Engineering, Computer Science, Modeling and Simulation category at the 2013 University of Central Florida Graduate Research Forum in April. Matt is currently working on the NCCOS Ecological Effects of Sea level Rise project in the northern Gulf of Mexico. His award-winning poster described his large-scale, high […]

]]>NCCOS-supported University of Central Florida (UCF) graduate student, Matthew Bilskie, won the Engineering, Computer Science, Modeling and Simulation category at the 2013 University of Central Florida Graduate Research Forum in April. Matt is currently working on the NCCOS Ecological Effects of Sea level Rise project in the northern Gulf of Mexico. His award-winning poster described his large-scale, high resolution model combining winds, waves, tides, and hurricane storm surges for the northern Gulf of Mexico from Apalachicola, Florida to Mississippi. The model will be a useful tool for emergency management officials and researchers studying the combined impacts of storm surges and sea level changes in the region. For more information, contact David.Kidwell@noaa.gov.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/climate/nccos-supported-student-wins-award-2013-research-forum-award/feed/0Website Overhaul Brings Coastal Science Information into the Twenty-first Centuryhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/accomplishments/new-nccos-website-launched-headline/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/accomplishments/new-nccos-website-launched-headline/#commentsFri, 19 Apr 2013 19:00:59 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=7763After a few years of planning, sweat, tears, scores of meetings, loads of paperwork, and 3 different acting deputy directors, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science soft-released its new, audience-focused website in October of 2012 and we continue to roll out more enhancements and features. The goal of the revised site is to consolidate […]

After a few years of planning, sweat, tears, scores of meetings, loads of paperwork, and 3 different acting deputy directors, the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science soft-released its new, audience-focused website in October of 2012 and we continue to roll out more enhancements and features.

The goal of the revised site is to consolidate the NCCOS web presence, tightly weave all related content together, deliver an experience that is both browser and device agnostic, and focus on our core research areas.

We additionally sought out to employ the latest technologies of both dynamic content management and also what is referred to in the industry as “responsive web design.” In the recent past, websites may have been built to serve up different typed of content, or a different structure after detecting whether a user was viewing the site on a desktop computer or a mobile device. Most weren’t even built to do this. But these standalone, mobile-formatted sites were simplified versions of their parent sites, usually with limited functionality to increase page speeds over a slow connection.

When tablets started becoming more prominent, there was a need for websites that sat somewhere between a smart phone and a traditional computer. Then, as smartphones became smarter, you had higher quality resolutions with different layout modes — which ultimately meant a lot to account for if you were developing individual sites for each device.

A responsive website goes beyond this and dynamically adjusts design that can stretch and rearrange itself based on the width (or viewport) of the browser rendering the site. Responsive design solves the problem at a very low level by resizing and rearranging elements on the screen to fit the user’s device. This is usually accomplished through a combination of fluid-width grids, flexible images (high and low resolutions), multiple media queries, and so forth.

Americans used 114 million smartphones in August, up from 101 million in the beginning of the year, according to comScore, which tracks the industry. The percentage of Web pages viewed from mobile devices reached 13 percent, up from 7 percent a year earlier. PC sales are expected to shrink this year for the first time since 2001, according to IHS iSuppli, a market research firm. The revised NCCOS website is positioned to take advantage of this change in consumer behavior.

]]>The Pew Charitable Trusts organization recently awarded Yimnang Golbuu, CEO and Chief Researcher of the Palau International Coral Reef Center a 2013 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to assess the connectivity of marine protected areas in Palau. PICRC researchers and colleagues developed a hydrodynamic model to track coral and fish larvae as they move through the ocean.

The prestigious Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation is awarded annually to outstanding global leaders or teams working to preserve and protect the world’s oceans and marine species. Dr. Golbuu will determine the best design for an expanded protected area network and use oceanographic models to identify priority locations for additional reserves to protect the country’s biodiversity.

]]>http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/ecosystem-management/palauan-researcher-receives-prestigious-2013-pew-fellowship/feed/0Homer-area Scientists and Residents Rescue Wayward Alaskan Buoyhttp://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/people/homer-area-scientists-and-residents-rescue-wayward-alaskan-buoy/
http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/topics/people/homer-area-scientists-and-residents-rescue-wayward-alaskan-buoy/#commentsThu, 24 Jan 2013 15:30:16 +0000http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/?p=8411In early January, a wave buoy operated by the Alaska Ocean Observing System in Cook Inlet broke free from its mooring for the third time in less than two years. The inlet has 30-foot tides and strong tidal currents, so immediate action was necessary to rescue the floating device before it escaped into the Pacific Ocean. […]

The unmoored buoy, foreground, and its rescue team on the deck of a local fishing vessel. From left to right are Tim Blackmon (KBRR), Kris Holderied (NOAA), Jasmine Maurer (KBRR) and Sid Wolford (boat captain).

In early January, a wave buoy operated by the Alaska Ocean Observing System in Cook Inlet broke free from its mooring for the third time in less than two years. The inlet has 30-foot tides and strong tidal currents, so immediate action was necessary to rescue the floating device before it escaped into the Pacific Ocean.

The Director of the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Kasitsna Bay Laboratory led the rescue effort with support from staff at the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Homer harbormaster and local fishermen. Using a fishing vessel, NOAA tide and current information and satellite-transmitted locations, the team was able to pick up the 400-lb buoy less than a day after it broke loose. They hauled it back to a nearby warehouse to keep it sheltered from the instrument-freezing elements.

When it’s not trying to escape, the buoy (now nicknamed “Bandit”) transmits the only real-time information about wave height and direction in Cook Inlet to many users, including NOAA weather forecasters, fishermen, boaters and even–how is this possible?–surfers. For additional information, read the post on the Alaska Ocean Observing System’s website.